2026-02-19

I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 600 of 2001) to provide for exemptions from planning permission for certain categories of public art murals where such work has artistic or cultural merit, has the permission of the owner of the building or structure on which it is displayed, is not a commercial advertisement and does not conflict with the Equal Status Acts. Public art murals are good for our cities and towns. They transform the streetscape in many instances into beautiful, vibrant and thoughtful spaces, enhancing the urban experience for residents and visitors alike. Thankfully, we are blessed with wonderful street art in the Minister of State’s own city of Limerick, Dublin, Galway, Waterford, Cork and many other urban locations. The problem is that our current planning laws are too restrictive in requiring planning permission for public art murals on private property. It is interesting because when you look at the exempted development regulations, this is in stark contrast to commercial advertisements. In fact, there is a huge number of exempted development categories for ads yet severe restrictions for public art. The problem is that these restrictions have meant in the recent past, in Dublin city for example, that the local authority initiated enforcement action against some of the most iconic murals in the city, including the horse boy mural in the north inner city and the David Attenborough mural off the South Circular Road. Thankfully, due to strong campaigning and advocacy in Leinster House, those enforcement and legal actions have been withdrawn. The problem is that the planning restrictions remain in place. That is a disincentive for artists to do what they are best placed to do, which is to make our cities better places to be. It is for that reason that I am introducing this legislation, the Public Art Mural (Exempted Development) Bill 2026. The Bill seeks to create a new category of exempted development which will apply to "public art murals" on private property. It is important that we have a clear framework for such an exempted category. To avail of the exemption, the artwork must have artistic or cultural merit as defined in the Arts Act 2003. The work cannot be a commercial advert as set out in the Consumer Protection Act. Crucially, it must not conflict with the Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2018. The exemption should not be available for murals during any electoral period because it is not an election campaigning tool. It also should not apply to protected structures or properties in architectural conservation or special amenity order areas. If you look around the country, you will see the quality of the work we have. I refer, for example, to the outstanding public art by Maser in Dublin, including his wonderful collaboration some years ago with Damien Dempsey. I already mentioned the two wonderful murals by Subset, the horse boy mural and the David Attenborough mural. In Cork, Asbestos has done iconic murals on housing. Caoilfhionn Hanton, who is from Waterford but now resident in Dublin, is an exemplar of the finest work we have. In fact, we are bursting at the seams with this incredible creative talent. That is why we should be doing everything in this House to ensure those artists are able to bring their creativity and art to the widest possible audience. Where better to do that than in the streets and on the gable walls of our towns and cities? I think this is a positive but measured contribution to ensuring that creativity and talent can flourish, and that everyone can enjoy and revel in the beauty of public art murals. Therefore, I am introducing the Bill today. I look forward to introducing it on Second Stage as soon as possible. Crucially, I look forward to enthusiastic support from the Government to ensure this practical step becomes part of our planning code. Our cities and towns will be all the better for it.

Is the Bill being opposed?

No.

Since this is a Private Members' Bill, Second Stage must, under Standing Orders, be taken in Private Members' time.

I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."